Premier League Players of the Week | Man of The Match Choices

Premier League Players of the Week | Man of The Match Stats: Matchday 17

Welcome to another week of Premier League Players of the Week for EPLIndex.com where I choose a man of the match from each of the nine matches last weekend and display the stats for the Man of the Match too. You can either use the page numbers at the bottom or the best way to navigate through is using the Quick Navigation links at the bottom of this page!

Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa

A young and hungry Villa turned up at Anfield to dominate the hosts from the off with a performance that lauded the impact of Paul Lambert since his arrival in the summer. Christian Benteke spearheaded the attack and was the star performer, playing his part in all the visitors’ goals. He found the net twice in addition to a sublime backheeled assist for Andi Weimann. Benteke was unplayable as he bullied Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger with his strength and pace, tormenting them with flashes of brilliance. The Belgian’s performance was reminiscent of Didier Drogba and Lambert’s decision to demote Darren Bent seems to be bearing fruit.

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

Manchester United 3-1 Sunderland

Robin van Persie was again the catalyst for Manchester United as they won a fifth match in succession. The forward got a goal and an assist and also produced 2 shots on target, 3 interceptions and 3 successful dribbles. His partnership with Wayne Rooney is proving to be as formidable as everyone believed it would be, and United will need some big slip-ups to have given away top spot come May.

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City

Yaya Toure was at the heart of everything as City showed they were back in business after last week’s derby defeat. Their first half performance was scintillating, with Toure pulling the strings with a series of defence-splitting passes to find the clever runs of Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero. The Ivorian supplemented his goal with a clearance, 2 successful dribbles and won 8 of his ground duels. This was a throwback to the Yaya of last season, and a reminder that Mancini and Co. will need their midfielder in his finest form if they are to catch their neighbours.

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

Norwich City 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Wes Hoolahan makes my list for the fourth time after he inspired Norwich to another win and extended their unbeaten run to 10 games. The Canaries playmaker provided a goal and assist and also made 2 successful tackles. Hughton’s side look a more accomplished outfit with Hoolahan deployed in the No.10 role and his understanding with Grant Holt, as well as the impressive Anthony Pilkington, have been key factors in the Canaries finding themselves in a Europa League spot.

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Fulham

Adel Taarabt was the best player on the pitch at Loftus Road as QPR picked up their first win of the campaign. The Moroccan took responsibility and grabbed both the hosts’ goals, supplementing this with 4 shots on target,5 successful dribbles, and showed his grit and determination by winning 14 of his ground duels despite being deployed in a nonchalant trequartista role behind Djibril Cisse. The Moroccan topped off his performance with a delectable finish with the outside of his boot after beating 3 Fulham players.

Man of The Match – Adel Taarabt

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

Reading 2-5 Arsenal

Santi Cazorla is the obvious choice for MOTM after his starring performance in another goalfest at The Madejski. The Spaniard scored a hat-trick, provided an assist, completed 7 successful dribbles, had 4 shots on target, and created 6 clear cut chances, performing as the creative mastermind in a brilliant display of attacking football from the Gunners. He also managed a 100% clear-cut chance conversion in what has to go down as the attacking performance of the season so far.

Man of The Match – Santi Cazorla

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

Stoke City 1-1 Everton

Steven Nzonzi epitomized Stoke’s style with a dominating display in a draw at the Britannia Stadium. The Stoke midfielder won 6 of his aerial duels, completed 14 passes and a successful dribble to pick up his first MOTM award of the season. He also managed a shot on target and was ever present as Everton looked to break down the Stoke guard.

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Swansea City

Jan Vertonghen combined a sterdy defensive shift with the only goal of the game as Tottenham beat Swansea at White Hart Lane. The Belgian was moved into his favoured centre-half spot and managed an impressive 4 shots on target, 4 interceptions and a 100% defensive zone pass rate. Vertonghen made his mark as a ball playing centre half at Ajax and this performance will have done him no harm in vying for a starting place at the heart of the Spurs back-line.

Quick Navigation – Man Of The Match Stats

West Bromwich Albion 0-0 West Ham United

Carlton Cole was the outstanding performer as he stepped in for the injured Andy Carroll and helped West Ham to earn a good result at The Hawthorns, where the Baggies have shown such good form this season. Cole worked tirelessly at both ends and won 15 aerial duels and 9 ground duels. He epitomized the typical Allardyce No.9 and linked well with his wide man, dropping deep and linking up play.